Trial Run for Dogs in Resort Rooms

[SaintsManiac]

It not just that you are going against people's opinions, you by supporting this new dog policy are putting a serious negative on many people's vacations so you can put dogs over humans, and yourself over others. So you get to bring your dog, and in exchange many people will now have to say no more Port Orleans Riverside (or other dog friendly Disney hotel). That is the reality. Not an even trade: benefits accrue solely to entitled dog owners, downside born entirely by people who don't want to vacation with other people's dogs. But hopefully this new Disney dog policy will be very temporary.

This is so unnecessary.

 

[LotsoLaffs]

Just got a call from WDW guest services after emailing my concerns. We are scheduled for two nights at POR in November. According to the rep I spoke with, only designated rooms with standard and garden views will be pet friendly. None of the Royal Rooms will be pet friendly. Since we have heard conflicting reports, give that as much credence as you desire

 

[Lynne M]

Wow...posts being deleted for voicing an opinion....if stated nicely...so much for freedom of speech!!!!

There's no freedom of speech on a business's privately owned web site. Just like there's no freedom of speech on a privately owned messaging board like the DISboards.

The Disney Parks blog is a marketing tool. It's advertising. I'm not the least bit surprised that they're deleting negative comments, nor would I expect them to do otherwise.

 

[Lynne M]

Folks, if the personal arguments on this thread continue, it's not going to be open much longer. I have better things to do with my afternoon that write up infractions for people who've apparently forgotten the board's policies.

One more time, for those who haven't been paying attention:

Criticize Disney all day long if you want to. Do not attack each other.

 

[Gryhndmom]

Real service dogs are trained to behave in a manner that does not allow them to touch me or I them. I am fortunate enough to have had Animal free flights every time. I am okay on a plane for a few hours if I am seated well away from the service animal. I check my seat before sitting down for signs of previous animal occupancy. I often fly first class using upgrade points. The seats are more likely to be leather and I wipe it down with a Clorox wipe.

Totally agree with you on real service dogs are trained not too touch others. I have read on the discussion where some have eluded to not being able to be in the same area as a dog so wondered how they handle encounters with service animals. I am allergic to cats (not life threatening) so I take lots of meds before flying on the off chance there is a cat on board. Since the allergy is not life threatening and thus no legitimate letter from a doctor, airlines can't pull the cat off the plane.

 

[Disneylover99]

If people that have requested to NOT be near the "pet Friendly" locations and being told there is no guarantee... wondering if the opposite might be true. If you want a pet room or building you also risk of their no guarantee policy. It would only be a request just like any other. Even bookable room categories are not guaranteed.

I really think Disney doesn't anticipate getting more dogs than they have designated rooms for, but if they do, I would imagine they would either transfer guests to another dog friendly resort or more than likely, find a room as close as possible to the designated area. I can't see them turning a family away with a reservation because they show up with their dog.

 

[figment3258]

anyone else get a phone call from Disney? I just received a random phone call and she asked if there was any questions she could better answer she mentioned that they have been told only certain rooms at the AOA its the cars suits (which we are staying at ) and the little mermaid rooms
at Port orleans riverside its the stand view rooms and the garden view rooms which we are also staying at she mentioned that i can call restorations and asked to be switched to which i said there are other rooms but they cost way more and all she could say is i see

so has anyone else had a call? i did not ask for a call nor did i leave my phone number in my email

 

[agavegirl1]

Totally agree with you on real service dogs are trained not too touch others. I have read on the discussion where some have eluded to not being able to be in the same area as a dog so wondered how they handle encounters with service animals. I am allergic to cats (not life threatening) so I take lots of meds before flying on the off chance there is a cat on board. Since the allergy is not life threatening and thus no legitimate letter from a doctor, airlines can't pull the cat off the plane.

Exactly! Not life threatening, just miserably sick.

 

[Jafar30]

I have publicly tweeted at peta asking there view on this and copied wdwtoday in to the tweet. Maybe a peta backlash will stop it

Not sure I'd want to get in bed with that group.

 

[Disneylover99]

Not sure I'd want to get in bed with that group.

Do you mean bad?

 

[JerseyJanice]

I can't see them turning a family away with a reservation because they show up with their dog.

Do families just show up with their dog without making an accommodation ahead of time?

We go to a dog-friendly beach motel that's 1 1/2 hours from here. I would never just put my dog in the car and drive there to stay overnight if I didn't reserve it first.

 

[Designed4dis]

Do you mean bad?

No I agree with jafar30, peta aren't the best of people. But Disney are actively saying it's okay to live a pet for 7 hours, and whilst daily fireworks are going off. I feel this is pretty cruel from an animal welfare point of view and peta (like them or not) might get involved

 

[piccolopat]

I really think Disney doesn't anticipate getting more dogs than they have designated rooms for, but if they do, I would imagine they would either transfer guests to another dog friendly resort or more than likely, find a room as close as possible to the designated area. I can't see them turning a family away with a reservation because they show up with their dog.

You may be right but I would think the issue might just be the opposite. Disney may have less requests for dog friendly rooms than anticipated and a resort that is looking to be sold out. Do they then assign people to the empty dog friendly rooms without regard to their possible health issues?

 

[SaintsManiac]

No I agree with jafar30, peta aren't the best of people. But Disney are actively saying it's okay to live a pet for 7 hours, and whilst daily fireworks are going off. I feel this is pretty cruel from an animal welfare point of view and peta (like them or not) might get involved

People leave their dogs every day while they go to work, go to events and appointments, etc. Not sure how this is different. Every dog owner I know understands the impacts fireworks have on their pets. There won't be fireworks going off in the hallways all day of the 4 resorts listed as dog friendly.

 

[Silvermist999]

Very few people will actually pay that much to bring their dogs. Many more (if not most) will drive in and bring their dogs to their rooms without mentioning it to the front desk. Once in, who's to know who paid and who didn't? They will simply put the "Do not disturb" sign on the door and that will be that. DISNEY KNOWS THIS. That's why the idea of trying to designate sections won't/can't be effective; it's simply not enforceable.

This is such an excellent point.

Once the guest checks in, they can go out to their vehicle to bring the dog to their room later, no one will know any differently. Soon the entire building could have dogs occupying the rooms.

Unless they assign someone to check reservation details upon entry to that section 24/7, there is absolutely no control.

I guess you can sneak a dog in your room if you have one that never barks. I personally have never owned a dog who didn't bark at some things.

If a dog is barking and someone reports it, management must nail the occupants with a dog fee.

They can hit you with a cleaning fee for smoking. A dog being in the room is even easier to prove. Have a guest open their door with a CM present. Dog fee imposed as Fido struts over.

Smoking inside the rooms will set off the smoke detectors and sprinklers, I bet.

Anything similar for unregistered canine guests, doubt it.

 

[LotsoLaffs]

anyone else get a phone call from Disney? I just received a random phone call and she asked if there was any questions she could better answer she mentioned that they have been told only certain rooms at the AOA its the cars suits (which we are staying at ) and the little mermaid rooms
at Port orleans riverside its the stand view rooms and the garden view rooms which we are also staying at she mentioned that i can call restorations and asked to be switched to which i said there are other rooms but they cost way more and all she could say is i see

so has anyone else had a call? i did not ask for a call nor did i leave my phone number in my email

 

[Disneylover99]

No I agree with jafar30, peta aren't the best of people. But Disney are actively saying it's okay to live a pet for 7 hours, and whilst daily fireworks are going off. I feel this is pretty cruel from an animal welfare point of view and peta (like them or not) might get involved

I know. He said bed instead of bad. That's all. It cracked me up.

 

[HopperFan]

Can someone that is bringing their dog on a dog vacation at one of the resorts copy the waiver you have to sign? I'm sure it will state that WDW will not be held responsible if your dog injures another guest or CM. Also, that any damages to the room will be the monetary responsibility of the dog owner. There should be a section that states should you be evicted because of your pets bad behavior you will forfeit your right to a refund on any remaining days on your reservation.

I'm sure they will pop up soon but this is what Universal's say ... but honestly it's so basic because I'm sure it won't hold up in court. Disney welcomed the dog and made money from the dog, so Disney will be pulled into any lawsuits for their deeper pockets.

Thank you for choosing to visit Loews Hotels with your pet(s). It is our intent to provide you with not only a wonderful and enjoyable stay, but also a safe one. For the comfort and safety of all guests and pets, we kindly request that all pet owners act responsibly with their pets. Please read, adhere and agree to the following hotel pet policies. Your pet(s) should have all recommended vaccinations currently up-to-date, and you agree to obtain and provide current records from a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet(s) should Loews Hotels request this information from you at any time. Pets are permitted with a $50 fee, per night* Loews Hotels allows a maximum of two pets per room. Pets should be leashed or restrained at all times in public spaces in the hotel or on the property. Pets should be supervised at all times while in the hotel or on the property. You have been provided with a list of local pet sitting services which can be arranged for you through the hotel’s concierge. Since these services are not provided by Loews Hotels we can not be held responsible for any pet service engaged by you. A $10 per hour “time out” fee is assessed by Loews Hotels if a pet is left unattended and needs to be removed from a guestroom. Guests should display the special Loews Loves Pets “Do Not Disturb” sign to alert housekeeping that a pet is in residence. Pets are not allowed in food & beverage, pool or fitness center areas. Guests are responsible for pet waste clean-up inside the hotel and throughout the property grounds. Guests are responsible for all personal injuries and/or property damage related to their pet(s). Guest agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Loews Hotels, the hotel, its operators and owners and their respective affiliates from all liability and/or damage suffered as a result of their pet(s). Loews Hotels reserves the right to remove guests whose pets are deemed noisy or disruptive.

Our child is highly allergic. My husband just contacted the front desk at POR about our up-coming, existing reservation and was told that we could not be guaranteed our room would be previously pet-free. The CM suggested we book another resort - currently on hold with reservations to see if any availability (we’re going over a holiday so our hopes are not high).

People hoping that complains will put a stop to this test, remember it took a child being eaten by an alligator to cause Disney to put a fence around an open water way.

No one at Disney saw that being an issue until somebody died, in an extremely tragic way. Mission space still operates after people have died.

The only reason Disney will change this is if it hurts them financially. The only way to do this at this time is ask to be downgraded to a cheaper hotel, and ask for a refund, which they have said is an option.

If you pay to upgrade to a more expensive dog free hotel, then Disney are winning.

The alligator issue is a completely different issue than the dog issue, with different responsibilities.

Mission to Space has not "killed" anyone. Those documented to have died following riding had medical problems (known or not) ... and should not have been on the ride.

I totally agree that folks upgrading means winning for Disney. And I think if this catches on and becomes popular, the dog resorts will become less inviting for many reasons ... so will guests now book up or book offsite where they get more for their money??

Some follow up news! CM noted and guaranteed pet free room when front desk could not. We were told POR building 95(royal rooms) and 80 were the designated pet buildings. Take it for what it’s worth but it’s the most concrete info we have heard.

Well most reports are that no one is being guaranteed anything and being told to change resorts........ all Disney guarantees now is "a room" ....... folks need to be very proactive in being prepared to have none of their requests met. If it's a serious medical issue, cover yourself.

I booked a room for 5 (garden view) at Port Orleans this morning for a dog friendly room. Does bldg 80 have rooms that hold 5 people?

NOPE, 4 only. The fact that there are two poop stations in AB, that is likely where you will be put. My guess will be up around 24 because the 4th poop station is in AB Preferred area. I mean folks who are paying for preferred should get their own poop area. BUT does that mean if I am preferred no-dog ... I'll have them around me?

There aren't other choices in many cases for people whose vacations are imminent.

And even further out. If you have a budget for "moderate" range ..........
- Families of 5 have a choice of the dog motel or the motel of massive construction and dirt mounds. (FW, POR & CBR)
- Families wanting moderate/value suite now have to give up AoA for ........... ASMu (that should have been made full pet resort, it's spread out and has more greenspace by back buildings).
- Now these folks have to book two value rooms somewhere with the negatives that may come with that.

After a long discussion with DH last night, we have decided to wait for first hand reports of implementation of this new policy. If done correctly, it should be okay for us to stay in a "canine free" room with a medical cleaning if they can't guarantee it. We studied POFQ and it just doesn't appeal to us. We will not stay at a Deluxe as it is way too expensive. POP would be acceptable to DH but I have plans for a Saturday evening enjoying the resort and three dinners at DS, taking the boat. Hoping for a respectful, responsible implementation and leaving my reservation intact.

I would seriously book a room only back up plan until there is more info what happens in a couple months. It will take that long for the greater impact to be known. At that point many will decide to change resorts and you don't want to lose options. You can always cancel later.

Very few people will actually pay that much to bring their dogs. Many more (if not most) will drive in and bring their dogs to their rooms without mentioning it to the front desk. Once in, who's to know who paid and who didn't? They will simply put the "Do not disturb" sign on the door and that will be that. DISNEY KNOWS THIS. That's why the idea of trying to designate sections won't/can't be effective; it's simply not enforceable.

Totally agree folks will try to slide it especially since dogs don't need MB or FP+.

But disagree folks won't pay that much ........... SO MUCH cheaper than my dog's resort. I have 2 dogs, $76 per night if they share suite, mandatory basic bath so total $70, Activities so they get out and do stuff a total of about $20 per day then bath and grooming at pickup $70.

So 7 nights at Disney for two dogs = $350 and 7 nights at their Pet Resort $800+ ............... Disney is a BARGAIN!

Or get kicked out. Isn’t that the penalty for sneaking in additional guests now?

Guests get kicked out because they've gone beyond the number of people allowed in rooms, so violating fire codes and such. I don't think that applies to dogs.

BUT if the dogs are not counting against the occupancy rules then how do they kick them out .... I think they'll just back charge you the daily fee and maybe a "fine" ....... something folks will gamble on. Kicking them out will hit social media and it will show the lack of control Disney has on this ... quiet action is best route. Guests can't complain about paying for something they should have paid for.

Just got a call from WDW guest services after emailing my concerns. We are scheduled for two nights at POR in November. According to the rep I spoke with, only designated rooms with standard and garden views will be pet friendly. None of the Royal Rooms will be pet friendly. Since we have heard conflicting reports, give that as much credence as you desire

There is a poop station at the Royal Guest rooms of no value to any other building. There are 4 poop stations at POR spread about. The info being broadcasted is that dogs are not allowed in public areas walks etc. They will have "will have easy access to outdoor pet walkways for exercise and green spaces with pet relief areas." So are they saying there are LONG walkways across the resorts just for dogs to get to a far off poop station? Disney will do what will make them money and you have guests that want Royal Rooms, want 5 person rooms, want Preferred rooms ........ and want to bring their dogs. Disney communications are the worse and we won't know the impact for months when folks have had time to plan and book.

anyone else get a phone call from Disney? I just received a random phone call and she asked if there was any questions she could better answer she mentioned that they have been told only certain rooms at the AOA its the cars suits (which we are staying at ) and the little mermaid rooms at Port orleans riverside its the stand view rooms and the garden view rooms which we are also staying at she mentioned that i can call restorations and asked to be switched to which i said there are other rooms but they cost way more and all she could say is i see so has anyone else had a call? i did not ask for a call nor did i leave my phone number in my email

And yet the dog potty stations are at ALL THE sections. Again, dogs are not supposed to be walking around on public walkways, only the pet walk from their building to the station. How are they getting there if they aren't staying close by? Maybe they are starting with the one building and will spread to the others as they see how bookings go. Just sounds like every CM is making up their own store.

People leave their dogs every day while they go to work, go to events and appointments, etc. Not sure how this is different. Every dog owner I know understands the impacts fireworks have on their pets. There won't be fireworks going off in the hallways all day of the 4 resorts listed as dog friendly.

They leave them at home, not a strange hotel room with strange noises and smells.

Will the Yacht Club change their room service menu to now include dog food?

Universal's hotels have a dog room service menu, so I'm betting on it if they keep it.

 

[Designed4dis]

Do families just show up with their dog without making an accommodation ahead of time?

We go to a dog-friendly beach motel that's 1 1/2 hours from here. I would never just put my dog in the car and drive there to stay overnight if I didn't reserve it first.

This is a great point, me and my were having a sensible discussion last night about all this, now I'm against it. The reason being it's been dumped upon us. And people are right in the long run very few people will actaully bring dogs but!.... we arrive in 2 weeks...

I believe the Disney blogger, locals and people that now can. Will! As this is a 'test'

Because Disney is offering exclusive things like, water bowls and tags, these people will want to take advantage, either to just say they did it, or for 'content'. I expect bloggers and vloggers to even just be walking dogs around these resorts for content.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If people that have requested to NOT be near the "pet Friendly" locations and being told there is no guarantee... wondering if the opposite might be true. If you want a pet room or building you also risk of their no guarantee policy. It would only be a request just like any other. Even bookable room categories are not guaranteed.

My suspicion is that Disney will work out designated pet friendly rooms. This is all new and as has happened with other Disney policies or changes it takes time to get details worked out and I feel fairly certain they will listen to the concerns and address many in some way. Goodness knows that phone CM's are often the last to know and public response will probably dictate how much more information they get or be to a point that Disney gets willing to be more detailed. Now it may not be the full measure that some people think it should be and will accommodate the wishes of others but then that is ultimately up to Disney. Down the road a guest will be able to decide how they react - if they book that resort or not. It is difficult for those with upcoming stays that don't have an option to change resorts but I still don't think the resorts are going to suddenly see tons of dogs showing up in the next few weeks. Or ever actually.